Yoshitake Shiraishi
Yoshitake Shiraishi |
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| Kanji | 白石 由竹 |
| Rōmaji | Shiraishi Yoshitake |
| Age: | Unknown |
| Birthday: | March 3 |
| Height: | Unknown |
| Voice Actor | |
| Japanese | Kentarō Itō |
| English | Ben Phillips |
Yoshitake Shiraishi (白石 由竹, Shiraishi Yoshitake), is one of the Abashiri Convicts who joins Sugimoto Saichi and Asirpa on their quest for the stolen Ainu gold. He is a master escape artist, earning the legendary title “Escape King” (脱獄王, Datsugoku-ō) due to his ability to break out of any prison in Japan. Despite his cowardly and self-serving nature, Shiraishi is a crucial member of the group, often using his resourcefulness and survival instincts to help in unexpected ways.
As the tritagonist of Golden Kamuy, he serves as both comic relief and an unlikely asset, making him one of the most entertaining and unpredictable characters in the series.
Background
Appearance in anime
Shiraishi’s past is defined by his talent for escaping from prison, a skill that has made him both infamous and valuable to various factions. He was originally just another convict, but after escaping countless times, he gained a legendary reputation as the greatest escape artist in Japan.
His skills eventually led him to Abashiri Prison, where he became one of the tattooed convicts linked to the stolen Ainu gold. He initially tries to use his knowledge for his own benefit, but after encountering Sugimoto and Asirpa, he decides to join them, believing they offer the best chance for survival and profit.
Although he often thinks about betraying them for personal gain, he develops genuine loyalty to the group over time, proving that despite his selfish tendencies, he is not a truly bad person.
Appearance
Shiraishi has a slim, wiry build, which contributes to his agility and ability to slip through tight spaces. He has a narrow face, sharp eyes, and a constantly mischievous expression, making it clear that he is always up to something.
He wears a short cap and a worn-out outfit, further emphasizing his scoundrel-like personality. His casual and unkempt appearance makes him look less dangerous than other convicts, but his true strength lies in his cunning and ability to escape from any situation.
Personality
Shiraishi is cunning, opportunistic, and incredibly self-serving, always looking for the easiest way to profit or survive. He frequently tries to run away from danger and often plots ways to betray his allies if it means making a quick fortune. However, despite his cowardice and greed, he is also resourceful, intelligent, and strangely reliable in certain situations.
Unlike Sugimoto and Asirpa, who have strong moral reasons for their journey, Shiraishi is mostly in it for the money. However, as he spends more time with them, he begins to genuinely care about their well-being, leading to unexpected moments of loyalty and heroism.
Despite being a wanted criminal, Shiraishi is more of a trickster than a true villain, often serving as comic relief with his foolish antics and exaggerated reactions. However, when the situation demands it, he can be unexpectedly clever and useful, making him a wildcard in the search for the gold.
Role in the Story
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The Escape King’s Survival Tactics
Shiraishi’s main contribution to the group is his ability to escape from any situation. Whether it’s breaking out of captivity, avoiding death, or sneaking into enemy territory, his legendary escape skills make him an invaluable asset. -
Balancing Comic Relief with Genuine Support
While Shiraishi is often used for comedic moments, such as his ridiculous facial expressions, cowardly behavior, or failed attempts to impress women, he also serves as a genuine support character. He provides useful information about criminals, underground networks, and escape strategies, which occasionally proves critical to the group’s survival. -
Loyalty and Growth
Although he frequently considers betraying Sugimoto and Asirpa, he always ends up staying with them, even when it would be easier to abandon them. Over time, he develops true loyalty, realizing that being part of a group is better than being alone.
Relationships
Sugimoto Saichi
Sugimoto and Shiraishi share a complex yet entertaining relationship. While Sugimoto sees him as an annoying but useful companion, Shiraishi both respects and fears Sugimoto, knowing that crossing him would be a bad idea. Despite their differences, they develop a strong sense of camaraderie, with Sugimoto often protecting him despite his cowardly nature.
Asirpa
Shiraishi and Asirpa have a playful dynamic, with Asirpa constantly mocking his foolishness. She often gives him disapproving looks whenever he does something stupid or greedy, but deep down, she considers him part of their group.
Lieutenant Tsurumi
Tsurumi sees Shiraishi as a useful pawn, recognizing his escape skills as valuable for infiltration and intelligence gathering. However, Shiraishi is wary of Tsurumi’s manipulative nature, knowing that aligning with him could be extremely dangerous.
Hijikata Toshizō
Hijikata, the legendary former Shinsengumi leader, respects Shiraishi’s abilities but does not trust him fully. Shiraishi, in turn, is intimidated by Hijikata, recognizing that the old samurai is far more ruthless and dangerous than he is.